Hi all,
New to the forum. I currently have a 2000 Yamaha LS 2000. It runs well but we are starting to look at upgrading. I've found that a lot of the parts needed for this boat are no longer available and cosmetically it also needs some work. However, our biggest issue with the boat is the lack of usable storage. It seems like a lot of the new boats have more storage (under seats, etc) that would make a day of boating with a few people much more comfortable. Overall, I am fairly handy and can do a decent amount of work myself if needed.
A little about how we boat: 50% of the time, it is myself and my wife going out for a cruise on the river and dinner on the beach. The other 50% of the time we go out with a few friends and spend half of the day doing watersports and the other half relaxing at a beach or sandbar. We currently trailer and will likely continue to do that. If we decide to get a slip, it would be on fresh water. Maybe once per year we would bring the boat a little further and use it in salt water. Typically we would boat on the CT river or small/medium lakes which don't get a ton of chop. However, we would probably take it to Long Island Sound occasionally which can get a little more chop.
So I have a few questions and am looking for suggestions.
What type of drive would you recommend? We currently have a jetboat with dual engines. In the past I had a 19.5' larson Cuddy with an I/O. We have never owned an outboard.
What are some boats you would recommend? I'm thinking of something in the 21-24' range but could be convinced slightly more or less. Thinking of either a bowrider or deck boat. Some examples of what I'm thinking Chaparral SSi, SSi-OB or SSX and Regal 2000ES. I don't need the absolute top of the line but I don't want something that is cheaply made.
Should I just bite the bullet and buy new or look for something in good condition, a few years old? I was going to look at a 2018 stingray but it sold before I was able to see it.
Should I search hard now (in the middle of the summer) or wait until fall/winter or a boat show?
Anything else you recommend? Thank you in advance for all of your advice.
New to the forum. I currently have a 2000 Yamaha LS 2000. It runs well but we are starting to look at upgrading. I've found that a lot of the parts needed for this boat are no longer available and cosmetically it also needs some work. However, our biggest issue with the boat is the lack of usable storage. It seems like a lot of the new boats have more storage (under seats, etc) that would make a day of boating with a few people much more comfortable. Overall, I am fairly handy and can do a decent amount of work myself if needed.
A little about how we boat: 50% of the time, it is myself and my wife going out for a cruise on the river and dinner on the beach. The other 50% of the time we go out with a few friends and spend half of the day doing watersports and the other half relaxing at a beach or sandbar. We currently trailer and will likely continue to do that. If we decide to get a slip, it would be on fresh water. Maybe once per year we would bring the boat a little further and use it in salt water. Typically we would boat on the CT river or small/medium lakes which don't get a ton of chop. However, we would probably take it to Long Island Sound occasionally which can get a little more chop.
So I have a few questions and am looking for suggestions.
What type of drive would you recommend? We currently have a jetboat with dual engines. In the past I had a 19.5' larson Cuddy with an I/O. We have never owned an outboard.
What are some boats you would recommend? I'm thinking of something in the 21-24' range but could be convinced slightly more or less. Thinking of either a bowrider or deck boat. Some examples of what I'm thinking Chaparral SSi, SSi-OB or SSX and Regal 2000ES. I don't need the absolute top of the line but I don't want something that is cheaply made.
Should I just bite the bullet and buy new or look for something in good condition, a few years old? I was going to look at a 2018 stingray but it sold before I was able to see it.
Should I search hard now (in the middle of the summer) or wait until fall/winter or a boat show?
Anything else you recommend? Thank you in advance for all of your advice.